Residential Generator Installation in Portland
PDX Electric is your local Portland electrician and expert for installing code-compliant portable generator hookups, including inlet and interlock systems around Portland.
Portland and the surrounding areas are prone to windstorms, leading to power outages. Power outages can lead to a number of hazards, including a lack of heating or cooling in a home and spoiled food in the refrigerator.
Our certified electricians are knowledgeable in the required wiring and connections to your electrical system so you can keep your power on during the storm.
Let us help with your home generator needs!
Portable Generator Hookup Installation in Portland
Our electricians are knowledgeable about what kinds of adjustments or upgrades your electrical system may need to run your portable generator safely. You can be assured that any wiring or upgrades will be safe and code-compliant. We focus on installing connections for portable generators, as these are upgrades to your existing electrical systems.
Some benefits of a portable generator over a whole-home generator are:
- Keeps parts of your home powered through the storm
- Target the areas in your home that need power during an outage, such as your refrigerator, medical devices, heat/AC systems, WIFI router, and more
- Flexible to move and not permanent to the home
- Significantly lower up-front costs
Contact PDX Electric today for a free estimate on upgrading your system for a portable generator.
How We Connect Your Portable Generator
A generator inlet box is used to connect your portable generator to your electrical panel through a dedicated circuit. The inlet box is installed on the outside of your home. The interlock system is installed directly on your electrical panel and prevents the main breaker and generator breaker from being on at the same time. This protects utility workers and your home electrical system and equipment from back feed.
These two components allow you to safely power certain circuits in your home with your portable generator during power outages.
All of our inlet and interlock installations are permitted and code-compliant to meet Portland and Oregon state electrical requirements.
Generally, homeowners prioritize specific circuits to keep power on when there are outages.
This includes:
- Refrigerator
- Heating or Cooling systems
- Medical devices such as medical oxygen
- Lighting
- Wifi router and devices
- Outlets for phone charging
- Sump pump
- And other essential circuits
Be Storm Ready in Portland
Generator Installation Process in Portland, OR
1. Request a Free Estimate
Request a free estimate to get your electrical system generator ready by phone or online–serving Portland and surrounding areas.
2. On-site Estimate
Our licensed electricians:
Assess your electrical system, and explain what upgrades are needed
Provide recommendations on the amount of power you will need to power the areas and appliances in your home
Ensure any upgrades are safe and meet electrical code requirements
3. Generator Installation
Once approved, we handle the rest so you can safely connect your generator to your home during an outage.
FAQs About Generator Installation in Portland
What Are the Common Upgrades Needed for a Portable Generator?
The most common upgrades include installing an inlet and an interlock kit to your main electrical breaker. This allows you to safely connect your portable generator to your breaker box.
How Do I Know What Size of Generator I Need for My Home?
Our licensed electricians will discuss what you want to power in your home and make recommendations on the size of the generator you need.
Can a Portable Generator Power My Whole Home?
While a portable generator usually can’t provide power to your whole home, we can help you determine what power level your generator needs to provide to the most important power sources in your home.
What Maintenance Is Involved in a Portable Generator?
Portable generators do require routine maintenance. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your portable generator. While PDX Electric doesn’t offer maintenance on portable generators, if your electrical panel is acting up, we can help!